KARACHI: For children undergoing prolonged cancer treatment, continuing their education can be as important as receiving medical care. At Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), Indus Kay Sitare is helping make that possible by providing educational opportunities to young patients while they navigate the challenges of illness and treatment.
The initiative celebrated the achievements of 47 students from different parts of Pakistan at its recently held13th graduation ceremony, recognising children who remained committed to their studies despite the demands of prolonged medical treatment.
The ceremony brought together the graduates, their families, teachers, doctors, healthcare professionals and representatives of Indus Hospital & Health Network. Graduation certificates, result cards and medals were presented to the students in recognition of their academic accomplishments, as families and teachers shared in celebrating their progress.
Established within the hospital, Indus Kay Sitare supports the education of children receiving long-term cancer treatment, helping them maintain continuity in their learning while undergoing medical care. The initiative reflects an approach to childhood cancer care that recognises the importance of educational opportunities and emotional well-being alongside medical treatment.
A key part of this effort is a nine-year partnership with Shah Wilayat Public School, which supports the provision of free, quality education to children enrolled in Indus Kay Sitare. The collaboration brings together teachers, the hospital's psychosocial team and healthcare professionals to support the students' academic progress and emotional well-being throughout their treatment journeys.
Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Indus Hospital & Health Network, attended the graduation ceremony as the chief guest. Other attendees included Dr. Shafique Haider, Dr. Muhammad Fareeduddin and Ms. Nudrat Imam, Principal of Shah Wilayat Public School, alongside other guests and representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Abdul Bari Khan appreciated the graduates for their achievements and praised their determination to continue learning despite the difficulties associated with illness and medical treatment.
"These children are the future of our country. Continuing their education despite the difficulties of illness and medical treatment reflects their extraordinary courage and determination. Their achievements are a source of pride for all of us and an inspiration to others," he said.
Ms. Nudrat Imam also commended the students for their resilience and academic accomplishments, highlighting the importance of providing an environment where children can continue learning, build confidence and remain hopeful about their futures.
"It is truly encouraging to see these children move forward in their education despite the health challenges they face. Indus Kay Sitare is not just a school; it is a family that nurtures hope, confidence, knowledge, and the determination to move forward," she said.
Reaffirming Shah Wilayat Public School's commitment to the initiative, Ms. Imam said the school would continue supporting the children's educational journeys. She added that once their medical treatment was complete, the students would be provided opportunities to continue their education at the school's main campus.
The ceremony also acknowledged the contributions of Ms. Faryal Kamran, a volunteer and donor of Indus Hospital & Health Network and founder of the Faryal Kamran Initiative, for her continued support of the children and their education.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates and medals, celebrating the graduates' achievements and recognising the dedication of the teachers and support teams involved in Indus Kay Sitare.
At its core, Indus Kay Sitare seeks to ensure that illness or prolonged medical treatment does not deprive children of education, opportunities to learn or the chance to pursue their aspirations. By bringing educational support into the hospital environment and facilitating opportunities for continued schooling after treatment, the initiative is helping children keep their academic journeys moving forward even during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
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